Well, the Dollar Tree has done it again for my Halloween decorations this year. I had no idea that some Dollar Tree plastic skulls could turn into such awesome Halloween Decor!
The idea for this project started as I was looking for Halloween inspiration on Pinterest. I came across a tutorial on how to alter the Dollar Tree skulls, but I didn't have all of the recommended products. I really didn't want to go and buy everything that they used, so I ended up using the products I already owned to alter them.
Supplies
Dollar Tree Plastic Skulls
Wood Candle Stick Holders
1/4" Wooden Dowel Rod
Valspar Spray Paint (Color Radiance Paint + Primer) - Flat White
Rub N Buff - Pewter
Acrylic Paint - Black
Rags - Old T Shirt
Felt Doll Hats
Embellishments: Ribbon, Trim, Tulle, Lace, Fur Trim, Plastic Spider, Paper Flower, Feathers
Hot Glue Gun
Straight Pins
Tutorial | Dollar Tree Halloween Decor
Painting the Skulls
- Spray paint the plastic skull with the paint/primer spray paint.
- Once the paint is dry, paint the skull with black acrylic paint. You could also use spray paint here, but I didn't have any black spray paint and I was trying to keep my cost down.
- After the black paint is dry, apply the Pewter Rub N Buff following the directions on the tube. Work in very small sections when applying this or it will remove the paint you have already applied.
- Now, you get to paint the skull again with the acrylic paint. This time you do not want to use a spray paint. Apply the paint liberally with a foam brush or even a soft rag and then let it start to dry. Make sure to get the paint into the crevices of the skull. Before it is completely dry, wipe off the excess with a rag.
- To make the eye sockets black, I applied the black acrylic paint with a small paint brush.
- Don't be afraid to apply more Rub N Buff and black paint in areas until you get the look you desire.
Disclaimer:
I will say that I found the paint was easy to scratch off the skulls. I wonder if I had used a primer made only for plastic if that would have helped. The Valspar paint that I used said it was for use on plastic, however, I think the quality of the plastic used on these skulls make it difficult for paint to adhere well. I recommend that you handle them with care. You can also touch up any scratched off areas with a Silver Krylon Leafing Pen. Just use your finger to wipe on the paint and it will blend in well.
Painting the Candlesticks:
- Paint them with black acrylic paint.
- After the paint is dry, apply the Pewter Rub N Buff and cover the candlestick.
- Next, apply the black acrylic paint and wipe off the excess before it is completely dry. This is the same process that I used on the skulls.
- To decorate the top of each candlestick, adhered a piece of ribbon or trim using a hot glue gun.
Attaching the Skulls to the Candlestick:
I attempted various methods to adhere the skulls to the candle sticks. They would not stick using my low temp hot glue gun. This is the best method I found:
- Cut a 3 inch length of a 1/4" wooden dowel rod. Position the dowel rod into the opening on the candlestick holder where the candle would go. Apply hot glue while holding the dowel rod in position and allow the glue to completely cool.
- Take a Philips head screw driver and widen the hole that is on the bottom of each skull. If there is not a hole use a drill to make a hole.
- Insert the dowel rod into the hole on the bottom of the skull. If you want the skull to be more secure you can add some hot glue at this point and it will help hold it in place.
Painting the Candlesticks:
- Paint them with black acrylic paint.
- After the paint is dry, apply the Pewter Rub N Buff and cover the candlestick.
- Next, apply the black acrylic paint and wipe off the excess before it is completely dry. This is the same process that I used on the skulls.
- To decorate the top of each candlestick, adhered a piece of ribbon or trim using a hot glue gun.
Attaching the Skulls to the Candlestick:
I attempted various methods to adhere the skulls to the candle sticks. They would not stick using my low temp hot glue gun. This is the best method I found:
- Cut a 3 inch length of a 1/4" wooden dowel rod. Position the dowel rod into the opening on the candlestick holder where the candle would go. Apply hot glue while holding the dowel rod in position and allow the glue to completely cool.
- Take a Philips head screw driver and widen the hole that is on the bottom of each skull. If there is not a hole use a drill to make a hole.
- Insert the dowel rod into the hole on the bottom of the skull. If you want the skull to be more secure you can add some hot glue at this point and it will help hold it in place.
Attaching the Hats to the Skulls:
You are going to love this...I used straight pins. Yes, like the ones you use for sewing. You have to push pretty hard to get them through the plastic, but it works. Again, I did not have luck with my hot glue gun to attach them to the skulls.
As you can see each, I decorated each skull's hat just a little differently using a variety of ribbon, trim and other fun embellishments. I used a hot glue gun to adhere the embellishments to the hat.
I am seriously in love with these and how they look decorating my house! I also love how they coordinate perfectly with my
Dollar Tree Halloween Door Decor that is back in action again this year!
